The Belleville Police Services Board is trying to take steps to help with a staffing crisis within the police force.

Chief Ron Gignac told the board Tuesday that there are currently seven officers off duty, with no fixed date to return and another 12 that are on reduced duties or short-term leave, due to injuries suffered while in the line of duty.

Gignac proposed hiring two supplemental officers, one to start in January and one in May, who would help the police force maintain its service levels across the city.

Gignac says the salaries of the supplemental officers can be covered by compensation from the WSIB, for the officers who are on extended leave and that if full-time officers come back to work, the supplemental positions would be eliminated, but the officers would stay on staff.